by Bart Verry
This past Spring, the Palm Springs Animal Shelter launched its Friends Forever Legacy Society. Comprised of individuals who have designated the shelter as a charitable beneficiary in their estate plans, this program was developed to provide an opportunity for these generous individuals to get together periodically, receive updates about what’s happening at the shelter and what’s in store for the future, and receive current information about some aspect of legacy planning or tax issues.
Legacy gifts are an important part of the future of the shelter. They provide restricted and unrestricted gifts to help us continue to help the thousands of animals that enter our doors every year. As we embark on a strategic plan, we are looking to expand our physical and programmatic footprint throughout Palm Springs and the entire Coachella Valley. Legacy gifts will help us achieve our big expansion dreams! We anticipate being able to share aspects of this strategic plan in early 2023.
When the Legacy Society was launched earlier this year, we identified 53 individuals who had informed us that the shelter was in their estate plans. Now, just a few months later, we have nearly 110 individuals who proudly serve as Legacy Society members. Two brunches have been organized this year, one in May at the new Modernism Museum in Palm Springs, and one in late October at the shelter. These continue to be excellent ways to engage members and provide updates on the shelter.
Two of our newest Legacy Society members are Jim Fundin and Rafael Lorenzo. They came to us earlier this year as they were finalizing details of their estate planning goals. “When we started thinking about our legacy, we wanted to include organizations that are near and dear to our hearts. The Palm Springs Animal Shelter was a logical choice for us, as we are huge animal lovers,” stated Fundin and Lorenzo. “The lack of 24-hour emergency care here in Palm Springs is something that is of great concern to us. As the shelter adopts a meaningful strategic plan for the future, we hope that our gift will help provide this critical service to the residents of Palm Springs and throughout the Coachella Valley.”
Leading the strategic planning effort is Dan Rossi, who joined the shelter this past February. “As my one-year anniversary as the Executive Director of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter approaches, I am continually impressed by what we do to care for animals in the Coachella Valley. Our staff and volunteers are top-notch and I am proud to work with this group each and every day,” shares Rossi. “Legacy gifts are key to our future, and I share my utmost appreciation to all of our Legacy Society members. As the former executive director of the Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh, I led a huge expansion effort and cannot wait to work closely with our Legacy Society members, donors, volunteers and staff to spearhead the efforts here at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter.”
When putting together your estate plans, it can also be important to consider what happens to your pets when you are gone. Many organizations, including the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, have created Pet Protection Programs, which provide an opportunity for you to share detailed information about how you would like your animals taken care of upon your death. Typically, a charitable designation in your will or trust to the non-profit is required.
Compassionate. Progressive. Committed. Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter (FPSAS) is a non-profit 501C (3) organization that manages and operates the open admissions Palm Springs Animal Shelter. FPSAS provides lifesaving services to the City of Palm Springs, Greater Coachella Valley and beyond.
FPSAS believes every animal deserves a loving, safe and healthy environment in which they can thrive. We transform lives through extraordinary animal care and advocacy. We inspire compassion and positive relationships between the community and animals through direct action and humane education.
For more information about the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, please visit our website at www.psanimalshelter.org.
